Sauvignon Blanc is nearly ubiquitous, seemingly grown in every wine region around the world, but it's actually an indigenous grape to France.
The most famous single varietal Sauvignon Blancs in France come from the Loire Valley. And within the Loire Valley, the most famous one is from the town of Sancerre.
Specifically the wine appellation sits on a bedrock of limestone, chalk, marl, gravel, leading to well balanced wine with both fruit and minerality.
But before New Zealand started growing Sauv Blanc, the French replanted the region of Sancerre with the grape after phylloxera wiped out the existing Pinot Noir and Gamay, other cool climate grapes.
Sauv Blanc took well to grafting on American rootstocks, and the wine soon became popular as a food friendly wine in Parisian bistros.
Learn more about the Sauvignon Blancs of France from the French Winophiles:
- Camilla is making Vietnamese Summer Rolls with a Sauvignon Blanc from the Pays de la Loire at Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Wendy is whipping up a Shrimp Bisque and a Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux at A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Robin is pouring a Sauvignon Blanc from the small hamlet of Chavignol in Sancerre at Crushed Grape Chronicles
- Jane is Tasting Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc Paired with Smoked Salmon Crostini at Always Ravenous
- Jeff is preparing a Surprise! Sauvignon Blanc from Bourgogne at Food Wine Click!
- Gwendolyn is Comparing 2 French Sauvignon Blanc: Loire vs Bordeaux with Grilled Pesto Stuffed Chicken at Wine Predator
- Katrina is toasting to Let’s Give Some Love to French Sauvignon Blanc… From Bordeaux at Corkscrew Concierge
- Linda is writing about Holy Snails! A Summer Sauv Blanc worth sipping slowly at My Full Wine Glass
- Deanna is frying Sole Meuniere Paired with Sancerre at Wineivore
Wendy Klik says
I will have to splurge on myself and try the Sancerre. Thanks Deanna, for the tips and for hosting.
Jane says
Sole Meuniere paired with Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé is truly perfection no matter the season!
Linda Whipple says
I think of Julia Child as being complicated, but no! This sole meuniere looks like something even I could cook - and will! I'll spring for a Sancerre when I do and let you know how it goes...
Jeff says
That sole with a squirt of lemon looks perfect for your Sancerre. Yum!
Kat says
I certainly understand wanting something quick during the heat of the summer. You've inspired this week's menu at our house. Even my kids can't balk at a easy fish such as this.
robincgc says
Such a simple dish! That could become a summertime staple for me. Perhaps when I pick up that Pouilly-Fume!